Doctor insights on:
Will Keflex Cure Sinus Infection

1

Cephalexin:
Not best choice for sinusitis, but it is is acute, the causative organism sensitive to first generation cephalosporins, and you absorb it adequately it may work well. Under the best of circumstances Cephalexin (keflex) yields low serum concentrations and entry into the sinuses in therapeutic concentrations may be problematic. Amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa might also be effective.
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In anatomy, a sinus is a cavity within a bone or other tissue. Most commonly found in the bones of the face and connecting with the nasal cavities. Sinus (anatomy), description of the general term paranasal sinuses, air cavities in the cranial bones, especially those near the nose, including: the maxillary sinuses, also called the maxillary antra and the largest of the paranasal sinuses, are und.
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2

It could be.:
It might. I use a higher dose, but some docs don't. If you have seen no improvement at all (even just a decrease in color of mucus) after 5 days, call MD and discuss. Keflex can help many causes of sinusitis, but not all.
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3

Only:
If it is a bacterial infection. Most upper respiratory infections however, are viral and many people mistake a viral rhinnitis for sinusitis and take unnecessary antibiotics. Sounds like you may be considering taking left over keflex. Would recommend against that. Rather consult your doctor.
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4

Keflex:
Keflex is much safer - it has no interaction with simvastatin. Biaxin (clarithromycin) is contraindicated. If you take biaxin, (clarithromycin) you must temporarily stop simvastatin.
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5

See below:
Sinusitis is characterized by nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headache and facial pain over the sinuses in the frontal and maxillary areas. Low grade fever alone would not indicate sinusitis. Sinusitis is usually self limited and does not require antibiotics unless severe or prolonged. Keflex is not the best drug for sinusitis. Ceftin, (cefuroxime) vantin or Augmentin would be better choices.
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6

Sounds viral:
Over all it sounds like a viral infection with both sinus and eyes involved. Bacterial eye infection/conjunctivitis usually have continuous pus like discharge all day. Gunk on eye in the morning is not specific for bacterial infection. Viral infection and allergies can also cause gunk on eye in the morning. Over use of antibiotic to treat viral infection can lead to resistant bacteria later on.
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8

Veal:
Most likely viral syndrome. Continue treatment of other conditions. Hydrate, use artificial tears, and possibly cool compresses to the eyes. See your primary doctor and ophthalmologist.
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11

No:
I applaud your efforts to save money / avoid waste and am glad that you asked first. While Cephalexin may work for some of the bacteria that cause sinus infections it is not the drug of choice so by taking it you would run the risk of side effects for naught.Allergy to morphine is not a concern in this context.
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Sinusitis:
The best way to manage the s/sx of sinusitis like the cough that your suffering, could be control with antihistamine, nasal spray, and the addition of antibiotics should be at your physician discretion. Most of the other components could be easily accessible in any local pharmacy. Hope you feel better.
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14

OK if eye is clear.:
It is a good idea to use all new make up products that are close to your eye, as they may have been the source of infection, or were contaminated when you developed an infection. For bacterial illness, 36-48 hours on Meds is a good guideline for reduction in contagion.
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17

Sinus infection:
If you truly have a sinus infection, you probably need antibiotics, although many of the patients that I see in the clinic who complain of sinus infection simply have allergies. The first thing I recommend is to irrigate your nose with saline. If this isn't successful, you should probably be evaluated.
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21

Amoxicillin = choice:
Amoxicillin is a derivative of Ampicillin and is still the drug of choice to treat simple infections such as sinus or ear infections. It has been around for a long time and very safe to use--even safe during pregnancy. Adding a decongestant and/or a steroid nasal spray may help your symptoms as well. Consult your doc. Good luck.
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22

Unusual:
Very unusual for a sinus infection to transform into meningitis. Some may recommend a careful evaluation for a defect in the bony lining of the sinus cavities that can transmit the infection, especially if this recurs. If found, the defect is repaired surgically
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24

Viral or bacterial:
Most sinus infections are viral and will resolve with or without treatment. Fluids, analgesics and tincture of time. Serious bacterial sinus infections need to be evaluated by a physician and may need scans/cultures to appropriately treat. See your doctor is you have significant sinus pain, fever, visual changes, dental pain, ear pain, or other concerns.
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26

Wash, don't drink:
Washing your nose with salt solution is a very effective way to help clear a nasal or sinus infection more quickly. Drinking plenty of fluids will also thin the mucus to improve the infection as well.
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27

Urgent care:
Go to urgent care immediately or ER now. Obtain expert ENT evaluation of your sinuses ASAP. If you lost full history I am amendable to starting you on antibiotics immediately if you have pressure and signs of infection and live in New York. Good luck.
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28

STD:
No, antibiotics are specific to the type of bacteria suspected as the infective organism and it certainly would not treat viral infection such as Herpes. You need to see your doctor and not just take some antibiotic left over in your or someone else's medicine cabinet.
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29

Maybe too soon:
Sinus infections usually require longer treatment times with antibiotics so it is not unusual for it to take longer before the antibiotic starts to take effect. See your doctor if you are experiencing worsening symptoms, or don't notice substantial improvement as you near the end of the course of antibiotics.
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Infections are invasions of some other organism (fungus, bacteria, parasite) or viruses into places where they do not belong. For instance, we have normal gut bacteria that live within us without causing problems; however, when those penetrate the bowel wall and enter the bloodstream, that is an infection.
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